Mason Jones to Enter NBA Draft

Overtime Heroics Editorial

1989 days ago

After one of the most impressive seasons in Razorbacks history, Mason Jones has decided to put his name in the NBA draft. Jones became the first player in Razorbacks history to lead the SEC in scoring. He put up 30 or more point nine different times this season on route to averaging 22.0 PPG. Barring any last minute changes of heart, Jones will sign an agent while entering the draft. This means that even if Jones does not get drafted, he will be unable to return to college basketball.

Mason Jones College Resume

Jones joined the Hogs at the beginning of the 2018-19
campaign. He finished 3^rd on the team in scoring behind sophomore
standout Daniel Gafford and freshman phenome Isaiah Joe. With Gafford being
drafted by the Chicago Bulls last summer and the Razorbacks changing out their
coaching stuff, the Hogs would need a new leader to step up. Jones stepped into
the spotlight with ease. With a limited roster and lingering injuries to his
running mate, Joe, Jones led the undersized Hogs to 20 wins in coach Eric
Musselman’s first season. He averaged 22.0 points and scored 30 or more points
nine times, including a couple of 40 point outings. He also led the team in
assists, rebounds, and steals per game. Not to mention his Nation-leading 223
free throws made.

Mason Jones Pro Transition

Jones proved this season that he can score from all levels. He can shoot the three ball off the dribble or off the catch, he can hit pull up jumpers and floaters in the lane, and he can drive to the rim while drawing, and finishing through, contact. His ability to get to the free throw line and convert into easy points is elite. His passing improved tremendously from his first season with the Hogs to the next. The only part of Mason Jones’s game that should be in question is his sheer athleticism and ability to defend quicker perimeter players. At 6’5, Jones would likely become a combo guard at the next level, varying between point duties, shooting guard, and occasionally the three spot in small ball lineups.

Razorbacks Thankful for Jones

In Coach Eric Musselman’s first season coaching the team, Arkansas rattled off 14 wins in its first 16 games, surprising even its own fans. Despite some injuries and inconsistencies throughout the season, no one can be upset with the way the Hogs’ season ultimately turned out. None of it would have been possible without Mason Jones. He set records both for his school and his conference that could stand for some time, including winning four SEC POTW awards and scoring three consecutive 30+ point games. Jones made Muss’s first season a success and helped lay the foundation for future Hog teams to be successful.